U.S. patent application number 14/539667 was filed with the patent office on 2015-05-14 for fastener for firefighter turnout gear.
The applicant listed for this patent is Globe Holding Company LLC. Invention is credited to Toufic G. Atallah.
Application Number | 20150128333 14/539667 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53042372 |
Filed Date | 2015-05-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150128333 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Atallah; Toufic G. |
May 14, 2015 |
FASTENER FOR FIREFIGHTER TURNOUT GEAR
Abstract
A zipper type fastener for protective clothing, such as a
firefighter or first responder turnout jacket is disclosed. One or
more open ends of the zipper may be connected to the protective
clothing by a zipper extender that creates a grip area to allow a
user to more easily grasp the zipper end component(s) and fasten
the zipper.
Inventors: |
Atallah; Toufic G.; (Salem,
NH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Globe Holding Company LLC |
Pittsfield |
NH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53042372 |
Appl. No.: |
14/539667 |
Filed: |
November 12, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61904197 |
Nov 14, 2013 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/455 ;
24/433 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A62B 17/001 20130101;
A62B 17/003 20130101; A41D 2300/322 20130101; Y10T 24/2593
20150115; A44B 19/38 20130101; A41D 2400/44 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/455 ;
24/433 |
International
Class: |
A44B 19/38 20060101
A44B019/38; A62B 17/00 20060101 A62B017/00 |
Claims
1. A fastener for a protective garment, comprising: a first zipper
element connected to a first garment panel having a first closure
edge, the first zipper element including a first length of teeth
and having a first open-ended engagement end that includes an
insertion pin, the first length of teeth separated from the first
closure edge by a first separation distance; a second zipper
element connected to a second garment panel having a second closure
edge, the second zipper including a second length of teeth and
having a second open-ended engagement end, the second length of
teeth separated from the second closure edge by a second separation
distance; a slider constructed and arranged to receive the
insertion pin and to urge the first length of teeth and the second
length of teeth into engagement with one another as the slider is
moved along the second length of teeth away from the insertion pin;
and wherein at least one of the first separation distance and the
second separation distance is greater at the first open-ended
engagement end and the second open-ended engagement end,
respectively, than at points further away from the first open-ended
engagement end and the second open-ended engagement end,
respectively, to provide a grip area.
2. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the first separation distance
is greater at the first open ended engagement end than at points
along the first zipper element that are further away from the first
open-ended engagement end to form the grip area adjacent the
insertion pin.
3. The fastener of claim 2, wherein the slider is positioned to be
actuated by a left hand of a wearer of the protective clothing with
the grip area constructed and arranged to be gripped by a right
hand of the wearer of the protective clothing.
4. The fastener of claim 3, wherein the second separation distance
is greater at the second open-ended engagement end than at points
along the second zipper element that are further away from the
second open-ended engagement end to provide grip area constructed
and arranged to be griped by a left hand of the wearer of the
protective clothing.
5. The fastener of claim 2, wherein the slider is positioned to be
actuated by a right hand of a wearer of the protective clothing
with the grip area constructed and arranged to be gripped at least
by a left hand of the wearer of the protective clothing.
6. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the second separation distance
is greater at the second open-ended engagement end than at points
along the second zipper element that are further away from the
second open-ended engagement end.
7. The fastener of claim 6, wherein the slider is positioned to be
actuated by a left hand of a wearer of the protective clothing with
the grip area constructed and arranged to be gripped by a right
hand of the wearer of the protective clothing.
8. The fastener of claim 6, wherein the slider is positioned to be
actuated by a right hand of a wearer of the protective clothing
with the grip area constructed and arranged to be gripped at least
by a left hand of the wearer of the protective clothing.
9. The fastener of claim 1, wherein each of the first separation
distance and the second separation distance is substantially
constant at points that lie away from the grip area.
10. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the grip area is formed
between at least one of the first zipper element and the second
zipper element that is angled with respect to a corresponding one
of the first closure edge and the second closure edge by an angle
within the range of 5.degree.-45.degree..
11. The fastener of claim 10 wherein the angle is positioned within
a range of 3-6 inches from a corresponding one of the first open
engagement end and the second open engagement end.
12. The fastener of claim 1, wherein at least one of the separation
distance and the second separation distance is at least two or more
times greater at a corresponding one of the first open engagement
end and the second open engagement end than at points further away
from the corresponding one of the first open engagement end and the
second open engagement end.
13. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the grip area is formed at
least in part by material secured to a zipper tape of one of the
first zipper element and the second zipper element and a
corresponding one of the first closure edge and the second closure
edge.
14. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the grip area is formed by
material of a zipper tape of one of the first zipper element and
the second zipper element.
15. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the grip area is formed by
material that is integral with a corresponding one of the first
closure edge and the second closure edge.
16. The fastener of claim 1, in combination with the garment,
wherein the garment includes a jacket, the first open end and the
second open end located near a waist of a wearer when the jacket is
worn.
17. The combination of claim 16, wherein the jacket is a turnout
jacket that is constructed and arranged for structural
firefighting.
18. The combination of claim 16, wherein the jacket includes a
closure flap attached to one of the first garment panel and the
second panel and that is connectable to another of the second
garment panel and the first garment panel, the closure flap
obscuring at least a majority of the fastener when the closure flap
is connected.
19. A method of making a protective jacket, the method comprising:
constructing a jacket having a front portion including a first
front panel and a second front panel; connecting a first zipper
element to the first front panel and creating a grip area between a
first open end of the first zipper element and the first front
panel; and connecting a second zipper element to the second front
panel.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein connecting the second zipper
element to the second front panel includes creating a grip area
between a second open end of the second zipper element and the
second front panel.
Description
FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates to protective clothing, such as
firefighter and first responder turnout gear and, in particular, to
a zipper fastener for protective clothing.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Firefighters and other emergency responders can be exposed
to a variety of hazardous conditions, such as flame, smoke, and
high heat. These individuals rely on protective clothing, including
turnout gear, to protect their bodies from hazardous conditions
they may encounter. Protective clothing is often secured with
fasteners, such as zippers, snaps, and/or hooks. At times
firefighters and other emergency responders must hurriedly change
into protective clothing to quickly respond to emergencies.
Traditional protective clothing fasteners can be difficult and
time-consuming to secure properly. Thus, responders may be left
vulnerable to hazards if their gear is not properly fastened, or
valuable time may be wasted while properly securing cumbersome
fasteners on their turnout gear.
SUMMARY
[0003] One example embodiment of the present disclosure includes
kfastener for a protective garment. A first zipper element is
connected to a first garment panel having a first closure edge. The
first zipper element includes a first length of teeth and having a
first open-ended engagement end that includes an insertion pin, the
first length of teeth being separated from the first closure edge
by a first separation distance. A second zipper element is
connected to a second garment panel having a second closure edge.
The second zipper includes a second length of teeth and having a
second open-ended engagement end, the second length of teeth being
separated from the second closure edge by a second separation
distance. A slider is constructed and arranged to receive the
insertion pin and to urge the first length of teeth and the second
length of teeth into engagement with one another as the slider is
moved along the second length of teeth away from the insertion pin.
At least one of the first separation distance and the second
separation distance is greater at the first open-ended engagement
end and the second open-ended engagement end, respectively, than at
points further away from the first open-ended engagement end and
the second open-ended engagement end, respectively, to provide a
grip area.
[0004] According to another example embodiment, a method of making
a protective jacket is disclosed. The method includes constructing
a jacket having a front portion including a first front panel and a
second front panel. A first zipper element is connected to the
first front panel and a grip area is created between a first open
end of the first zipper element and the first front panel. A second
zipper is element to the second front panel.
[0005] The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to a
system or method that must satisfy one or more of any stated
objects or features of the invention. It is also important to note
that the present invention is not limited to the exemplary or
primary embodiments described herein. Modifications and
substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to
be within the scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] In the drawings, different embodiments of the invention are
illustrated in which:
[0007] FIGS. 1A and 1B provide front views of a partially attached
and completely detached embodiments of a zipper assembly;
[0008] FIG. 2 provides a front view of an opened jacket,
incorporating an embodiment of a zipper extender;
[0009] FIG. 3 provides a perspective side view of pants
incorporating an embodiment of a zipper extender;
[0010] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E show various embodiments of a
zipper extender; and
[0011] FIGS. 5A and 5B provide a side view of an embodiment of a
zipper assembly attached to a turnout jacket.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] Described herein is a zipper apparatus that, among other
aspects, provides a grip area that enables easier and more
time-efficient fastening of firefighter turnout gear and other
types of protective clothing. The grip area may be formed by a
zipper extender, which extends at least a portion of one zipper
track away from a closure edge of the garment, thus creating an
area that may be more readily gripped by a wearer of clothing. A
zipper extender may typically be in the same plane as the zipper
tape and as the front panels of the garment. Thus, the zipper
extender may extend the end of a zipper track sideways, from left
to right, or right to left. Incorporating a zipper extender into
protective clothing may provide easier and faster access to the
complementary zipper elements that are to be fastened together to
secure the protective clothing. The zipper apparatus can be
incorporated into a jacket, coat, vest, or other type of emergency
response gear in which quick fastening or easier location of
fastening components is desired.
[0013] Time is often of the essence when responding to a fire or
other emergency. Firefighters and other emergency responders often
change into emergency apparel very quickly when responding to an
emergency. Typically, turnout gear and other protective clothing
made for firefighters and other responders fastens in the front
with a zipper. These zippers are usually open-ended, meaning that
opposing sides of the zipper can both completely connect and
completely detach. This configuration allows a user to easily put
the jacket on by donning the jacket and fastening the zipper and to
remove the jacket by unzipping the zipper. However, because both
ends of the zipper completely detach, a user locates and aligns the
slider of one zipper track and the insertion pin of the other
zipper track each time the user wishes to fasten the jacket. While
the disclosed zipper assembly is primarily described in this
application as relating to turnout gear and other types of
protective clothing, it should be understood that the subject
matter of the present application is not so limited. For example,
many of the embodiments described herein may be used in any garment
employing a separating, or open-ended zipper. In some embodiments,
a zipper assembly according to the present disclosure may be
incorporated into outerwear that is not protective clothing. For
example, a disclosed zipper assembly may be incorporated into
exercise wear, wet suits, dry suits, winter jackets, overcoats, ski
jackets, parkas, or ski pants.
[0014] Turnout gear often has multiple layers of fabric, such as
liners, moisture and thermal barrier layers, and fire resistant
layers. These protective layers can be heavy and bulky, making them
cumbersome to manipulate. Furthermore, turnout gear usually
incorporates flaps positioned along each side of the zipper
fastener, to further insulate the closure region of the turnout
gear. These flaps often are outfitted with components, such as
reflective tape, hook and loop closures, and/or snaps, making the
flaps rigid and difficult to maneuver. The flaps can also sometimes
obscure the zipper components, making the zipper components
difficult to locate. Thus, securing both ends of the zipper to one
another during a fastening process may be challenging and
time-consuming, especially when a responder is experiencing time
pressure to respond to an emergency call and/or while donning bulky
gloves. It is to be appreciated that exemplary embodiments of
zipper extensions and grip areas are described herein with respect
to turnout gear and turnout garments are described herein merely
for the sake of convenience. The various embodiments described
herein may also be incorporated into other types of protective
clothing.
[0015] Protective clothing, as described herein, includes garments
that provide protection to a wearer for hazards not normally
associated with everyday garments. By way of example, protective
clothing may be constructed to protect a wearer from flame, heat
cold, wind, liquids, chemicals, particulates, pathogens, cuts,
tears, abrasion, impact, puncture, compression, fire, ballistics,
electrical arc, electrical conductivity, static electricity,
radiation and the like. According to some embodiments, protective
clothing is constructed in accordance with standards established by
the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), such as NPFA 1951
(incorporated by reference herein in its entirety) which identifies
criteria for clothing suitable for wear in rescue and recovery
activities. Similarly, NFPA 1971, also incorporated herein in its
entirety, identifies criteria for clothing suitable for wear in
structural firefighting activities. "Turnout gear" or "turnout
clothing", as referenced herein, is understood to be suitable for
wear in structural firefighting.
[0016] An open-ended zipper assembly is illustrated in FIGS. 1A and
1B. FIG. 1A shows a zipper assembly 100 that is partially connected
and FIG. 1B shows a zipper assembly 100 that is entirely detached.
The zipper assembly includes an extension 124 or grip area at the
open end of the second zipper element, near the insertion pin 112.
The zipper is includes a first zipper element 102 and a second
zipper element 104. When the first zipper element 102 and the
second zipper element 104 are interlocked, the zipper is closed.
When first zipper element 102 and second zipper element 104 are not
interlocked, the zipper is open. First zipper element 102 and
second zipper element 104 may each include tape 106 with protruding
teeth 108. Teeth 108 may be attached to tape 106 in a variety of
ways. For example, teeth 108 may be attached to tape 106 in a coil
configuration, wherein the coil winds around tape 106 to form teeth
108. Alternatively, teeth 108 may be formed individually from
materials such as metal or plastic, and attached at regular
intervals to tape 106. In another embodiment, teeth 108 may be
secured directly onto the garment, without the use of tape 106.
Teeth 108 may be formed from various materials, including plastic
or metal. In one embodiment, a plastic molded zipper may be used to
form zipper assembly 100. In another embodiment, a metal molded
zipper may be used to form zipper assembly 100. In yet another
embodiment, an airtight zipper may be used to form zipper assembly
100. In a further embodiment, a water-resistant zipper may be used
to form zipper assembly 100.
[0017] The zipper assembly may also contain a retainer box 110 and
an insertion pin 112, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. Retainer box 110 may
be attached to the bottom of first zipper element 102, and may be
used to keep slider 114 slidably connected to tape 106. Insertion
pin 112 may be attached to the bottom of second zipper element 104
and may be placed into slider 114 and retainer box 110 to initiate
closing of the zipper. When insertion pin 112 is placed into slider
114, slider 114 may be pulled in the opposing direction from
insertion pin 112, and engage teeth 108 to interlock complementary
teeth on opposed zipper elements, as shown in FIG. 1A. When pulled
in the reverse direction, slider 114 may disengage teeth 108, and
may completely disconnect first zipper element 102 from second
zipper element 104, as shown in FIG. 1B. Slider 114 may optionally
have a pull tab 116 to allow for enhanced manipulation.
[0018] First zipper element 102 and/or second zipper element 104
may optionally be equipped with top stops 118 and 120. Top stops
118 and/or 120 may be useful to secure slider 114 onto teeth 108.
However, top stops 118 and/or 120 need not be used if, for example,
an upper portion of either zipper element is secured into a
connecting piece of fabric, or slider 114 is otherwise retained on
teeth 108. First zipper element 102 may also optionally have a
bottom stop 122, to facilitate slider 114 movement on teeth 108, as
shown in FIG. 1A.
[0019] In an embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, a zipper extender 124
may be attached to an open ended portion, shown on the lower
portion, of second zipper element 104. In another embodiment,
zipper extender 124 may be attached to a lower portion of first
zipper element 102. In one embodiment, a first zipper extender is
attached to an open ended, lower portion of first element 102 and a
second zipper extender is attached to an open ended, lower portion
of second zipper element 104. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a
zipper assembly attached to a jacket 101, the zipper assembly
includes a zipper extender 124, that is attached to both the
garment's left front panel 128 and the second zipper element 104.
The zipper extender 124 creates an enlarged grip area between a
zipper element and a portion of a garment to which the zipper tape
would otherwise be directly fastened. The grip area provides a
wearer a larger area to grab and hold when the wearer is locating
the open end of the zipper element that includes the insertion pin
112 (and/or retainer box 110) for assembly to the retainer box 110
of the opposed zipper element. It should be noted that zipper
extender 124 may be incorporated onto either the garment's left
front panel 128 or the garment's right front panel 126 and may
accordingly be connected to either first zipper element 102 or
second zipper element 104. Furthermore, two zipper extenders and
corresponding enlarged grip areas may be incorporated into a single
garment, whereby one zipper extender 124 is located on the
garment's front left panel 128 and one zipper extender 124 is
located on the garment's front right panel 126.
[0020] In some embodiments, the jacket 101 may be a turnout jacket.
In other embodiments, jacket 101 may be a turnout coat or vest. In
further embodiments, jacket 101 may be a parka, wet suit, coat, or
winter sports coat. In other embodiments, jacket 101 may be a
motorcycle jacket, bomber jacket, field jacket, or other type of
coat or jacket.
[0021] In one set of embodiments, at least one zipper extender 124
may be used in types of garments not illustrated in FIG. 2, such as
pants 103, illustrated in FIG. 3. For example, pants 103 may be
outfitted with two zipper assemblies 100, one on each leg of the
pant. The zipper assemblies 100 may allow a user fasten and
unfasten pants 103 without needing to pull the pants 103 over the
legs. Such an embodiment may be useful when wearing ski boots, or
if a user's leg is outfitted in a cast or otherwise immobilized.
Each zipper assembly may extend the full length of the garment.
When zipper assemblies on right and left pant legs are both
unattached the garment can be divided into a front panel and a back
panel that are separate from each other. As shown in FIG. 3, zipper
extender(s) 124 may be incorporated near the bottom hem of the pant
leg, and may be useful in aiding a user don the pants and providing
space to accommodate bulky footwear. In one embodiment, a pair of
ski pants is formed to have one zipper assembly 100 comprising an
extender 124 on the bottom right leg of the pant, and have one
zipper assembly 100 comprising a zipper extender 124 on the bottom
left leg of the pant. Zipper assemblies 100 may each extend from
the pant waist to the bottom hem. In this embodiment, the zipper
extenders 124 may aid a user in fastening ski pants over ski boots
without requiring the user take the ski boots off to remove or don
pants 103. Also, the zipper extenders 124 may provide space at the
bottom of the pant legs to accommodate footwear, such as ski
boots.
[0022] In further embodiments, zipper assemblies 100 as disclosed
may be incorporated into turnout gear to fasten and remove
components from the turnout garment. For example, in some
embodiments, a zipper assembly 100 comprising a zipper extender 124
may be incorporated into a turnout coat or jacket and attach or
detach a removable feature, such as a pocket, collar, or hood to
the turnout coat. In other embodiments, a zipper assembly 100
comprising a zipper extender 124 may be incorporated into turnout
pants and selectively attach or detach a removable feature to the
turnout pants. Such removable features may include, for example, a
pocket, a tool belt, or a patch.
[0023] The material used to form zipper extender 124 may be
substantially flexible or substantially rigid. In one embodiment,
zipper extender 124 is molded or extruded. In another embodiment,
zipper extender 124 is formed from woven fabric. In a further
embodiment, zipper extender 124 is formed from nonwoven fabric.
Zipper extender 124 may also be formed to have enhanced resistance
to hazardous conditions. For example, a zipper extender 124 for a
firefighting turnout suit could be made from fire-resistant
materials, water-resistant materials, and/or chemically-resistant
materials. In one embodiment, zipper extender 124 may incorporate
aramid fibers such as DuPont.TM. NOMEX.RTM. and/or KEVLAR.RTM.
brand fibers. In another embodiment, cotton-nylon blend fibers may
also be used, at least in part, to form zipper extender 124. In yet
another embodiment, wool, cotton, and/or polyester fabrics may be
used, at least in part, to construct zipper extender 124.
Optionally, the material chosen to construct zipper extender 124
may be chemically treated to achieve flame-resistance, or
flame-retardant characteristics, and may be hemmed to create a
reinforced seam.
[0024] Zipper extender 124 may be formed in a variety of shapes.
FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate just a few exemplary embodiments of a zipper
extender 124. For example, FIG. 4A shows a zipper extender 124 that
is substantially triangular. In such an embodiment, the seam
securing zipper extender 124 to panel 132 may be substantially
linear with respect to the upper portion of the zipper. A
triangular embodiment of zipper extender 124, as shown in FIG. 4A,
may form an angle .theta., between the tape edge 130 and the
intersection of zipper extender 124 with panel 132. Angle .theta.
may be, for example, within the range of 5.degree.-45.degree.. In
one embodiment, angle .theta. is approximately 30.degree.. In other
embodiments, zipper extender 124 is curved in a convex and/or a
concave manner. For example, in FIG. 4B, zipper extender 124 is
concavely curved. In FIG. 4C, yet another embodiment is shown,
wherein zipper extender 124 is convexly curved. In further
embodiments, zipper extender 124 may be in the shape of a quarter
circle, a subparabolic half, an elliptical quarter, a
parallelogram, or may take the shape of a combination of any of
these shapes.
[0025] Zipper extender 124 may be formed using a variety of
methods. For example, zipper extender may be formed from a piece of
the turnout gear front panel itself, from zipper tape 106, and/or
may be formed from an independent piece of material. For instance,
as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, zipper extender 124 may be formed
from a material that is separate from panel 132 and/or separate
from tape 106.
[0026] In other embodiments, zipper extender 124 may be integral to
the panel of a garment or to tape 106. "Integral" means that the
zipper extender is formed from the same piece of material. In an
embodiment shown in FIG. 4D, zipper extender 124 is integral to the
left front panel of turnout gear. In such an embodiment, the left
front panel of a turnout jacket may be cut to include additional
fabric that will comprise zipper extender 124. In another
embodiment, zipper extender 124 may be integral to the right front
panel of the turnout gear. The right front panel may be a panel of
an inner layer, a middle layer or an outer layer. An outer layer
may be made of material such as an abrasion resistant material,
e.g., para-aramid fibers, Kevlar.RTM., Nomex.RTM., PBI.RTM., PBO,
or any combination of these materials. The outer layer may include
blend spun yarn, which may include one or more of these materials.
In such an embodiment, the right front panel of the turnout gear
may be cut to include additional material that will comprise zipper
extender 124. In another embodiment, both the right front panel and
the left front panel may be cut to include additional material that
will comprise both a left side zipper extender and a right side
zipper extender. The additional material included in the front
panel can take a variety of shapes. For example, the material can
take the form of a triangle, a quarter circle, a subparabolic half,
an elliptical quarter, a parallelogram, or any other suitable
shape.
[0027] In other embodiments, zipper extender 124 is integral to
tape 106, as illustrated in FIG. 4E. In such an embodiment, zipper
extender 124 may be created by forming a zipper tape 106 that is at
least two times wider at a first end compared to a second end. For
example, a tape may be cut on a taper so that tape 106 is at least
two times wider at a first end as compared to a second end. Teeth
108 may then be attached to tape 106. In another example, teeth 108
may first be attached to a tape 106 and then tape 106 may be cut to
be wider at a first end compared to a second end. In some
embodiments, tape 106 may have a width at a top end within the
range of 0.2-2 inches. In some embodiments, tape 106 may have a
width at a bottom end within the range of 0.4-6 inches.
[0028] FIGS. 5A and 5B show a side view of an embodiment of a
zipper assembly attached to a turnout jacket. Specifically, the
sides of the jacket depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B are oriented such
that FIG. 5A shows the inside surface 142 of the jacket and FIG. 5B
shows the outside surface 144 of the jacket. In this embodiment,
the first zipper track 138 and the second zipper track 140 are
configured to interlock, or mate. When interlocked, the zipper
assembly is designed to join the first jacket panel closure edge
134 with the second jacket panel closure edge 136. In some
embodiments, first jacket panel closure edge 134 and second jacket
panel closure edge 136 overlap when first zipper track 138 and
second zipper track 140 are interlocked. In other embodiments,
first jacket panel closure edge 134 and second jacket panel closure
edge 136 do not overlap when first zipper track 138 and second
zipper track 140 are interlocked. In further embodiments, first
jacket panel closure edge 134 and second jacket panel closure edge
136 overlap only in part when first zipper track 138 and second
zipper track 140 are interlocked.
[0029] In some embodiments, the area surrounding the interlocked
zipper tracks may contain additional insulation or protective
layers. For example, flaps may be included on inside surface 142
and/or outside surface 144 to provide additional insulation, water
resistance or protection to the zipper. In some embodiments, first
zipper track 138 may be positioned inside first jacket panel
closure edge 134, thus allowing the material located between first
zipper track 138 and first jacket panel closure edge 134 to provide
additional insulation to the zipper. Similarly, in some
embodiments, second zipper track 140 may be attached inside second
jacket panel closure edge 136, thus allowing the material located
between second zipper track 140 and second jacket panel closure
edge 136 to provide additional insulation to the zipper.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 5B, first zipper track 138 may be attached
to outside surface 144 along first jacket panel closure edge 134.
In the embodiment shown, first zipper track 138 is attached to
outside surface 144 at points along tape 106. For example, tape 106
may be sewn onto outside surface 144. In another embodiment, teeth
108 may be fastened directly onto outside surface 144, and not onto
tape 106. The distance between the teeth of first zipper track 138
and first jacket panel closure edge 134 at any point may be
measured by distances x, x' and x''. Distance x corresponds to the
distance between teeth 108 and first jacket panel closure edge 134
at a top end of first zipper track 138. Distance x' refers to a
distance between teeth 108 and first jacket panel closure edge 134,
as taken along the shortest path that lies along material of the
jacket, at some point more than half way down the length of first
zipper track as measured from the top end of the zipper track.
Distance x'' denotes the distance between teeth 108 and first
jacket panel closure edge 134 at a bottom end of the first zipper
track 138 (again, as taken along the shortest path that lies along
the material). As shown in FIG. 5B, x, x', and x'' are all equal or
approximately equal. In some embodiments, distances x, x', and/or
x'' may be referred to as "first distance."
[0031] In an embodiment such as that shown in FIG. 5A, second
zipper track 140 may be attached to inside surface 142 and proceed
along second jacket panel closure edge 136. The distances between
the teeth of second zipper track 140 and second jacket panel
closure edge 136 may be measured at any point by distances y, y',
and y''. Distance y corresponds to the distance between teeth 108
and second jacket panel closure edge 136 at a top end of second
zipper track 140. Distance y' refers to a distance between teeth
108 and second jacket panel closure edge 136 at some point more
than halfway down the length of the second zipper track, as
measured from the top end of the zipper track, and distance y''
denotes the distance between teeth 108 and second jacket panel
closure edge 136 at a bottom end of second zipper track 140.
[0032] Relative distances for x, x', x'' are calculated by using
distance x as a baseline. Relative distances for y, y', and y'' can
be calculated by using distance y as a baseline. Distance x is the
distance between teeth 108 and first closure edge 134. Distance y
is the distance between teeth 108 and second closure edge 136. For
purposes of calculating relative distances, x and y will always be
normalized to zero. For example, if at the point where distance y
is measured, zipper teeth are 1 inch inside the second jacket panel
closure edge 136, at the point where y' is measured, zipper teeth
are 0.5 inches inside second jacket panel closure edge 136, and at
the point where y'' is measured, zipper teeth are 1 inch beyond
second jacket panel closure edge 136, the relative distances are as
follows: 1 inch inside the second jacket panel closure edge 136 is
the baseline for the measurements, so therefore, y is 0, y' is 0.5
inches, and y'' is 2 inches.
[0033] In one embodiment, x, x' and x'' are all equal. In another
embodiment, x and x' are equal, and x'' is greater than both of
these distances. In yet another embodiment, the relative distances
of x is less than x', and the relative distance for x' is less than
x''. In an additional embodiment, the relative distance of x is
less than x', and x' is equal to x''. In some cases, x'' may more
than 2.times., 3.times. or 4.times. x or x'. In other cases, x''
may be greater than or equal to x+0.5 inch, x+1.0 inch, x+2.0,
x'+0.5 inch, x'+1.0 inch or x'+2.0 inch.
[0034] In another embodiment, y, y', and y'' are all equal. In yet
another embodiment, relative distances for y and y' are equal, and
y'' is greater than both of these distances. In still another
embodiment, the relative distance of y is less than y' and the
relative distance for y' is less than y''. In a further embodiment,
the relative distance of y is less than y', and y' is equal to y''.
In some cases, y'' may more than 2.times., 3.times. or 4.times. y
or y'. In other cases, y'' may be greater than or equal to y+0.5
inch, y+1.0 inch, y+2.0, y'+0.5 inch, y'+1.0 inch or y'+2.0
inch.
[0035] In one embodiment, the relative distance of x'' from x
and/or y'' from y may be within the range of 0-5 inches. For
example, a coat for a first responder may have a right front panel
with a first zipper track attached near a first closure edge, with
relative distances of x=0, x'=0, and x''=0. In this or another
example, a coat for a first responder may have a left front panel
with a second zipper track attached near a second closure edge,
with relative distances of y=0, y'=0.2 inches, and y''=2 inches. In
some embodiments, y' is located 2/3 down the length of the second
zipper track 140. In other embodiments, y' is located 3/4down the
length of the second zipper track 140. In further embodiments, y'
is located 7/8 down the length of the second zipper track 140. In
other embodiments, y' is located within the range of 0.2-10 inches
from the bottom of second zipper track 140.
[0036] In yet another embodiment, first zipper track 138 is
attached to outside surface 144 at about 1 inch inside first jacket
panel closure edge 134. The relative distances of x' and x'' are
each 0, meaning that zipper track 138 is consistently 1 inch inside
first jacket panel closure edge 134, as measured from teeth 108 of
first zipper track 138. An upper portion of second zipper track 140
may be attached to inside surface 142 at about 1 inch inside second
jacket panel closure edge 136; y' may be longitudinally located
within the range of 1-6 inches from the bottom end of second zipper
track 140, and the relative distance of y' may be 0 inches. In this
or another embodiment, y'' is within the range of 0.5-4 inches.
[0037] In one embodiment, first zipper track 138 may be attached to
outside surface 144 such that first zipper track 138 does not
extend outside first jacket panel closure edge 134. In another
embodiment, first zipper track 138 may be attached to outside
surface 144 such that the entirety of first zipper track 138
extends beyond first jacket panel closure edge 134. In yet another
embodiment, first zipper track 138 may be attached to outside
surface 144 such that only a portion of first zipper track 138
extends beyond first jacket panel closure edge 134. Similarly,
second zipper track 140 may be attached to inside surface 142 such
that second zipper track 140 does not extend above second jacket
panel closure edge 136. In a different embodiment, second zipper
track 140 may be attached to inside surface 142 such that the
entirety of second zipper track extends beyond second jacket panel
closure edge 136. In another embodiment, second zipper track 140
may be attached to inside surface 142 such that only a portion of
second zipper track 140 extends beyond second jacket panel closure
edge 136.
[0038] In one embodiment, first zipper track 138 may be attached to
a right front panel of a firefighter's jacket and proceed along a
first jacket panel closure edge 134 at a constant distance of about
1 inch inside the panel's edge. Second zipper track 140 may be
attached to the left front panel of the firefighter's jacket and
proceed linearly at a constant distance from the second jacket
panel closure edge 136, until approximately 6 inches from the
bottom end of second zipper track 140 where its angle changes with
respect to the second jacket panel closure edge 136. In some
embodiments, the bottom end of second zipper track 140 may extend
about 1 inch beyond the second jacket panel closure edge 136. In
some embodiments, the second zipper track 140 does not extend
beyond second jacket panel closure edge 136, but the bottom portion
of zipper track 140 is closer to second jacket panel closure edge
136 than a top portion of zipper track 140.
[0039] Zipper extender 124 may be attached to a garment in a
variety of ways. For example, zipper extender 124 may first be
attached to a zipper element and the zipper extender 124 may then
be attached onto a front panel of a garment. Alternatively, zipper
extender may first be attached to a front panel of a garment and
the zipper element may then be attached to both the front panel of
the garment and to the zipper extender. In one embodiment, the
zipper element(s) may be sewn to the front panel and to the zipper
extender. For example, the tape of the zipper element may be sewn
onto a front panel of the garment using thread. Various stiches are
suitable for fastening the zipper to the panel, including a running
stitch, a top stich, or a zigzag stitch. Multiple rows of stiches
may also be used to fasten the zipper. In another embodiment,
zipper elements may be glued, taped, stapled, welded, or laminated
into place.
[0040] Various protective layers may also be incorporated into the
turnout gear. For example, protective flaps may extend on one or
both sides of the zipper elements to afford extra protection to the
zipper. These flaps may be secured with any fastening means,
including snaps, hook and loop, or buttons. Similarly, a collar may
be included on the turnout gear to further insulate the garment
near a top region of the zipper.
[0041] In one embodiment, a firefighter receives an emergency call
that requires him or her to don turnout gear. The firefighter dons
turnout pants and boots. The firefighter dons a turnout coat that
incorporates a zipper apparatus including a zipper extender. The
firefighter reaches one hand toward the zipper component fastened
to the left panel of the turnout gear and the other hand toward the
zipper component fastened to the right panel of the turnout gear.
The zipper component fastened to the left panel of the turnout gear
may be an insertion pin, and the zipper component fastened to the
right panel may be a slider. In another embodiment, the zipper
component fastened to the left panel may be a slider. The
firefighter is able to easily access the zipper components as the
slider is relatively large and the zipper extender positions the
insertion pin at an accessible distance, farther away from the
front panel of the coat than an upper portion of the zipper track.
Thus, the firefighter need not contend with various protective
layers and/or flaps of the garment to locate the zipper components.
The firefighter places one hand on the bottom of a zipper track
that includes the slider and the other hand on the bottom of a
zipper track that includes the zipper extender and the insertion
pin. The firefighter inserts the insertion pin into the slider and
zips the coat. In some embodiments, zipper extender and insertion
pin are located on a firefighter's left side while donning the
turnout coat. In other embodiments, the zipper extender and
insertion pin are located on a firefighter's right side while
donning the turnout coat.
[0042] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be
understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in
documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of
the defined terms.
[0043] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the
specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the
contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one."
[0044] The phrase "and/or," as used herein in the specification and
in the claims, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the
elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively
present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.
Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements
specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or
unrelated to those elements specifically identified, unless clearly
indicated to the contrary.
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